Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, there’s a chance it still has its original electrical panel. One of the most common from that era is the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel.

These panels were installed in millions of homes across the U.S. At the time, they were trusted to do their job — but decades of evidence now shows they are unreliable and unsafe.

What an Electrical Panel Does

Your electrical panel is the hub of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to each circuit and protects your home when something goes wrong.

The breakers inside the panel are safety devices. Their job is to shut off power instantly during an overload, short circuit, or fault. That split-second trip is what prevents overheated wires and electrical fires.

The Problem with Federal Pacific Panels

Federal Pacific panels have a documented history of failure. Independent testing has shown that FPE breakers often do not trip when they should.

The unique Stab-Lok design is part of the issue. Breakers may look like they are engaged when they aren’t making a solid connection. Worse, in many cases, they stay “on” even when overloaded.

When a breaker doesn’t trip, electricity continues to flow under dangerous conditions. This creates a fire hazard inside the walls of the home — one that the panel is supposed to prevent.

How to Identify a Federal Pacific Panel

Not sure what type of panel you have? Here are signs it could be Federal Pacific:

  • The panel or breakers are labeled Federal Pacific Electric or Stab-Lok

  • Your home was built or wired between 1950–1980

  • Breakers feel loose or wiggle when touched

  • Breakers are difficult to reset or never trip, even under heavy load

If you’re unsure, a licensed electrician can confirm it quickly during an inspection.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Federal Pacific panels aren’t just “old” — they are documented hazards. That’s why:

  • Home inspectors frequently flag them

  • Real estate transactions are delayed or derailed by their presence

  • Insurance carriers often refuse coverage until the panel is replaced

Owning a home with an FPE panel isn’t just about risk of fire — it can affect your ability to insure, sell, or refinance your property.

Home Insurance Challenges with Federal Pacific Panels

Many insurance companies view Federal Pacific panels as uninsurable. Some will deny coverage outright. Others will approve a policy only if the panel is replaced within a short timeframe.

Even if coverage is granted, premiums may be higher or exclusions added for electrical-related claims. In real estate sales, this often becomes a sticking point for buyers who cannot secure financing until the issue is resolved.

For homeowners, that means one thing: keeping a Federal Pacific panel in service can cost you more than just peace of mind.

The Solution: Replacement

The safest and most practical step is replacement. A modern electrical panel:

  • Meets the current National Electrical Code

  • Provides proper grounding and bonding

  • Supports advanced safety devices like AFCIs and GFCIs

  • Has the capacity to handle today’s household loads

At Alokin Electric, every panel replacement is performed by a licensed electrician, installed to code, and sized correctly for your home’s needs. Beyond improving safety, a new panel gives your electrical system the capacity to support upgrades like EV chargers, hot tubs, or new appliances.

Conclusion

Federal Pacific panels were once widely used, but today they are a known hazard. Breakers that fail to trip put homes and families at unnecessary risk — and many insurers and inspectors already treat them as unsafe.

If your home has a Federal Pacific panel, the responsible step is replacement by a licensed electrician. It’s not just about safety — it’s about protecting your investment, your coverage, and your future plans for your home.